BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of California, Berkeley, to enable DEWA’s distinguished staff to obtain Master’s degrees in Future Energy Systems and Technology.
The MoU was signed by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, M.D. and CEO of DEWA, and Dr. Diana Wu, Dean at UC Berkeley Extension. Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA, and Darek De Freece, Managing Director of New Academic Ventures at Berkeley, were present.
“In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to prepare a generation that will keep pace with the government of the future and have a futuristic mind-set, we adopt a comprehensive strategy to invest in our staff. We empower young Emiratis, and develop the capabilities of DEWA staff to the highest international standards. This contributes to the comprehensive development of Dubai, and achieves the directives of the wise leadership to enhance research and development and anticipate the future. Launching the Master’s degree in Future Energy Systems and Technology is part of our ongoing efforts to open the door for Emirati staff to enhance their academic capabilities and continue their studies to obtain the highest academic degrees. This will consolidate the UAE’s position and Dubai’s role as a leading hub for shaping the future,” said Al Tayer.
“Our strategies and initiatives are aligned to the nation’s strategies including the UAE Centennial 2071; a long-term government strategy to prepare the UAE and young Emiratis for the future; the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy; to create productive, creative, and innovative environments by investing and using AI technologies and tools; and the UAE Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, to strengthen the UAE's position as a global hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and increase its contribution to a knowledge-based national economy that uses innovation and future technology applications. We are pleased to work with the University of California, Berkeley, which is one of the best universities in renewable energy, water, automation, and Artificial Intelligence, to provide this Master’s degree in Future Energy Systems and Technology for our Emirati staff,” added Al Tayer.
“It is with great pleasure that we are announcing the formal partnership between UC Berkeley and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. This collaboration is built on a foundation of mutual interests by both institutions. Berkeley, consistently ranked as the top public institution in higher education, is a global leader in technology and engineering, green and sustainable practices, and is an innovator in areas such as artificial intelligence and blockchain. Likewise, DEWA is a global leader in utility and service, and has done so through innovation in the areas of sustainability, green energy initiatives and technological advances in water and electricity utilities,” said Dr. Wu.
“It is these shared interests that are structuring the curriculum that UC Berkeley will be offering DEWA professional staff to aid in their career development, and include topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Generation Systems, Water Distribution Technology, and Grid Automation. The goal is for UC Berkeley to provide comprehensive options for rigorous training of DEWA staff, coupled with academic and administrative advice. This investment by DEWA will ensure that their talented and motivated staff receive the education necessary to become leaders in the field, and will create opportunities for continued development. We strongly believe that a partnership rooted in the principles of education, sustainability, and technological innovation will further cement both our institutions as global leaders in our respective fields. We are excited at the prospect of a relationship founded in the spirit of collaboration, and look forward to fostering an atmosphere of trust and friendship between UC Berkeley and DEWA,” added Wu.
Dr. Al Akraf said the first batch of 20 DEWA staff will join the Master’s programme in the first half of 2019. They will be selected based on certain criteria in collaboration with UC Berkeley. The study programmes will cover future energy disciplines that blend research and practice. These include Advanced Power Systems Analysis, Power Electronics, System Controls and Protection, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Renewable Generation Systems and Integration, Integrated Resource Planning, Grid Automation, and Water Desalination and Distribution Technology.